Oregon Main Street works with communities to develop comprehensive, incremental revitalization strategies based on a community’s unique assets, character, and heritage. Services are based on the successful Main Street Approach® developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and include training and technical assistance. The goal is to build high quality, livable, and sustainable communities that will grow Oregon’s economy while maintaining a sense of place.

The Main Street Approach

The Main Street Approach is a proven comprehensive approach to commercial historic district revitalization. This approach has been implemented in more than 2,200 cities and towns in 40 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs. The Main Street Approach® is based on a comprehensive, four point strategy:

Oregon Main Street provides assistance to all communities no matter where they are in the process. Currently, there are 78 communities participating in one of the levels of the Oregon Main Street network:

Performing Main Street is for those communities who were previously certified National Main Street cities and those communities with advanced downtown programs following the Main Street Approach®. Application rounds are held as resources permit.

Exploring Downtown is for those communities who demonstrate an interest in revitalizing their downtowns and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach®. Interested communities may join at anytime by submitting an Exploring Downtown level application.

Affiliate level is for communities who want an opportunity to learn more about the Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization by receiving an invitation to attend workshops and conferences sponsored by Oregon Main Street. Interested communities may join at anytime by submitting an Affiliate level application.